EBRSO: Guard fired, arrested after punching prisoner

BATON ROUGE - Sheriff's deputies arrested a former East Baton Rouge Parish prison guard after they said he broke an inmate's nose last month.

A department spokesperson said Brent Ashley Rideau, 32, was fired on Aug. 29 after an investigation into his actions. Deputies arrested Rideau Wednesday after a criminal investigation ended with him being charged with battery and malfeasance.

Investigators said on Aug. 16 Rideau punched a man being booked into the jail for disturbing the peace and resisting arrest. They said the inmate was loudly cursing and yelling racially-charged language at Rideau, who knocked him out.

They said the inmate was treated at the hospital for a broken nose and fractured face.

Investigators said Rideau turned himself in to detectives today after they obtained a warrant for his arrest. He will be booked into the parish prison on second degree battery and malfeasance in office charges.